Meaningful use final rule released – Ingenix Statement
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has now published a Final Rule that clearly defines the capabilities that EHR systems must support, the actions EHR users must perform and the measures that will be used to certify ‘meaningful use’ of health IT, in order for physicians to qualify fo
USA (July 16, 2010) –
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has now published a Final Rule that clearly defines the capabilities that EHR systems must support, the actions EHR users must perform and the measures that will be used to certify ‘meaningful use’ of health IT, in order for physicians to qualify for federal government incentives.
This is a positive step for efforts to accelerate adoption of EHR systems. These technologies will be essential to promoting better delivery of health care services and interoperability across the health system. With publication of the Final Rule, physicians no longer face uncertainty about what they should expect of an EHR system before investing in new technology.
While Ingenix is analyzing the details of the Final Rule, we already know that it affirms those capabilities required of EHR systems detailed in an Interim Final Rule released by CMS in January. Further, by decreasing the thresholds in the first stage for requirements such as electronic prescribing, it will be easier for physicians to get meaningful use certification for their use of health IT and qualify for reimbursements.
In June, Ingenix completed a system-wide implementation that delivered the full range of capabilities outlined in the Interim Final Rule to CareTracker, our Web-based practice management and EHR system. This means that every one of the more than 10,000 CareTracker users is currently using a version of the system capable of helping them demonstrate meaningful use. All future CareTracker clients will have immediate access to these same capabilities.
CareTracker has begun the process of obtaining CCHIT 2011 certification. We believe CCHIT will be one of the entities responsible for certifying EHR systems in accordance with the Final Rule.
Ingenix is helping physicians by making it easier and more affordable to implement an EHR and use the technology to enhance patient care.
Source: Ingenix
